The List Goes On and On: SD Checklist

Hello there!

Somehow, my original SD checklist got converted into Wingdings 2, and I was unable to convert it back properly.  So, I've needed to repost this blog entry, but fortunately, that means I can update the checklist with important items I've encountered over the past year.

A beautiful day: check!

My girl says she was very confused when she first started shopping for SD supplies, because she had never had a Service Dog before, so she wasn't sure what she needed (in addition to the items she would need for a pet dog, of course).  Therefore, to help other beginning SD and SDiT teams, I have snuffled around my basket of supplies and found almost everything that my girl has gotten for us.

Here's a checklist of what you might need as a beginning (or even seasoned) SD Team:
(note, these are recommendations: every team is different and requires their own unique set of gear, so not all the gear listed may apply to you and your dog)

• Vest and/or Cape and/or Harness
• Popular brands/places to acquire are: WireDog, Raspberry Field, Amazon, OneTigris, Dog Capes, Active Dogs, Bold Lead Designs
• Small business owners and Etsy sellers (for more customized vests) include: MuttButt Gear (insta), Riverdog Gear (etsy), Cozyhorse (etsy), Patienceandlove143 (etsy), Coppers Customs (insta), DD Service Dog Designs (Facebook)
• Backpacks/pouches/saddlebags (for carrying emergency info/meds if your vest doesn't have pockets)
• Head Collar (Gentle Leader and Halti are two popular brands)
• Collar
• Rabies tag
• Microchip tag
• ID tag
• Local city/state license
• SD and/or ICE Do Not Separate from Handler tag (you can custom makes these from a normal pet tag)
• Patches for Vest/Cape
• Check out: Creative Clam, Danny and Luann's Embroidery, Amazon, Ebay, Etsy (Christine's Custom Patches and others), Instagram (MuttButt Gear and others)
• Do Not Pet/Do Not Distract/Ignore Me (HIGHLY recommended that you have at least one patch like this in an attempt to deter the public from distracting your SD)
• Leash Sleeve/Slip/Cover (in my humble opinion, Patienceandlove143 on Etsy makes the best)
• I currently have PLEASE IGNORE ME and STAY BACK
• Documentation (NOTE: this is NOT legally required)
• However, if you're flying with a PSD/ESA, you will need a note from a mental health professional who is currently treating you.
• If you are a college student, having a copy of your school's SD policy and/or the ADA can help with access issues
• ADA cards: they're these nifty little cards that state the law briefly, so you can educate people when you have access issues.  Amazon sells them, although there are also some variations to be found elsewhere on the internet (including Etsy).
• Booties
• For the summertime to protect against heat (Ruffwear has great booties.  Make sure the booties have thick soles for maximum protection)
• For the wintertime to protect against the chemicals to melt ice (Pawz booties are great for bootie-sensitive dogs because they're like little rubber socks)
• Raincoat (patches can be helpful)
• Winter coat (patches can be helpful)
• Medical ID bracelet (for the human handler, of course!)
• There are some super cute ones online if you look in the right places!  My ID Doctor has excellent service though.
• Car harness (because you don't want your medical equipment flying through the windshield)
• I recommend ClickIt Sport by Sleepypod: I don't have it (yet), but I've heard great reviews.
• Walmart and Amazon also carry decent harnesses (my AKC harness from Amazon saved my life!)
• Cooling collar/coat (Ruffwear and Etsy have good ones)
• Portable water bowl
• They flatten into little disks!  So convenient!  The carabiner can clip right onto your SD's harness.

Don't hesitate to let me know if I'm missing anything, and stay tuned for PUPdates!

xoxo

Kelsie Iris

Check out these other posts of mine:
SD team etiquette
Don't distract SDs
Spoon Theory
Confused? See my terms and abbreviations